Let’s be honest, finding a travel handbag that’s both secure and stylish can feel like searching for a unicorn. Why is it that so many anti-theft travel purses look like they were designed for function with absolutely no consideration for fashion? As a travel content creator who’s constantly on the go, I understand the struggle all too well. We want bags that protect our belongings from pickpockets, but we also want to look good doing it!
For years, the market seemed to offer a choice between frumpy, overly-practical anti-theft bags and chic, but vulnerable fashion purses. Remember those berry-colored, shapeless anti-theft bags that screamed “tourist”? Not only were they aesthetically unappealing, but they practically advertised that you were carrying valuables. And the price tags on these often unflattering bags? Outrageous!
As someone who travels several times a month, I refuse to compromise my personal style for security. And you shouldn’t have to either. That’s why I’ve curated this guide to the Best Travel Handbags For Women that seamlessly blend style and security. These aren’t just bags; they are travel companions that will keep your essentials safe while elevating your travel look, whether you’re exploring bustling city streets or charming cobblestone paths.
Stylish and secure travel purses for women
Stylish Travel Purses Do Exist: Functionality Without Compromise
I’m a firm believer that you can – and should – have both style and function in your travel gear. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about feeling confident and comfortable as you explore the world. Your travel purse should be a reliable partner, holding all your day-trip necessities, from your camera to your passport, without making you a target for thieves. Imagine strolling through European markets or capturing memories in iconic locations, knowing your belongings are secure in a bag that complements your outfit, not clashes with it.
Why trust my recommendations? Because I’ve personally tested many of these bags on my travels, and for the rest, I’ve relied on the experiences of trusted fellow travel experts. These recommendations are born from real-world travel, ensuring they meet the demands of style-conscious, security-aware women on the go.
Top 8 Travel Handbags for Women: Tested for Style and Security
Let’s dive into my top picks for stylish travel bags. These are bags that I’ve personally vetted for both their aesthetic appeal and their practical functionality. They’re designed to look chic, blend in with locals, and perform exceptionally well during long days of exploration. Say goodbye to bulky, unstylish security bags and hello to travel handbags that you’ll love to carry.
1. Arden Cove Crossbody: The Ultimate Anti-Theft Travel Purse
Arden Cove consistently tops my list as the best anti-theft travel purse. It’s not just for international adventures; it’s stylish and practical enough for everyday use at home too. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting one of the founders, and her dedication to creating fashionable yet functional travel handbags for women is truly inspiring.
Arden Cove started with their signature crossbody bags and has since expanded to include larger styles. What sets them apart is their design philosophy: bags that look like stylish, everyday purses, not obvious anti-theft gear. This is crucial because blending in is a key element of travel security.
Each Arden Cove bag is packed with traveler-friendly features, including an adjustable shoulder strap for comfortable wear and RFID-blocking card slots to protect your credit cards from digital theft. But the real game-changer is the material: constructed from the same fabric used in bullet-proof vests. This goes beyond standard stainless steel wire mesh lining, offering superior protection against bag slashers.
Arden Cove stylish anti-theft crossbody travel purse
Functionality is key with two thoughtfully designed pockets: a locking main compartment for valuables and a smaller, easily accessible pocket perfect for your phone and travel cards. The locking zippers add an extra layer of security, making it difficult for pickpockets to unzip the bag in crowded areas. Plus, they are water-resistant, adding another layer of practicality for unpredictable travel conditions.
My personal Arden Cove purse was my trusted companion on my honeymoon across Europe. It weathered rainy days, hikes in the Isle of Skye, and even the bustling crowds of Oktoberfest. I wholeheartedly recommend this cute, small travel purse for any type of trip. For travel, I suggest opting for darker colors like black, as my cream-colored bag did show signs of wear after a year of heavy use. While Arden Cove bags are an investment, they are worth it for the peace of mind and style they offer. You can find them on Amazon and directly from their website.
2. Dagne Dover Micah Crossbody: Vegan Style and Smart Security
Another excellent crossbody travel purse is the Micah Crossbody from Dagne Dover. Known for its sleek design and array of colors, the Micah Crossbody lets you express your personal style while staying secure. A fellow travel blogger friend swears by this 100% vegan purse for her trips.
A standout feature is the strategically placed back pocket for your phone. This design makes it one of the best crossbody bags for travel, keeping your phone secure against your body and significantly reducing the risk of theft.
Beyond security, the Micah Crossbody is designed for all-day comfort with an adjustable strap. It also includes an internal key ring and ample space to organize your daily essentials. It’s a stylish, vegan-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on practicality or security.
Shop The Dagne Dover Bag
Dagne Dover Micah Crossbody stylish travel purse
3. Pacsafe Anti-Theft Sling: The Trendy and Secure Fanny Pack
For those embracing the fanny pack trend, the Pacsafe Anti-Theft Sling is a top choice. Fanny packs, or sling bags, are back in style, thanks to Gen Z, and they are incredibly practical for travel. Wearing a fanny pack across your front keeps your valuables in sight and easily accessible, deterring potential thieves.
This Pacsafe travel purse is packed with anti-theft features, including lockable zippers, RFID-blocking pockets, and a key clip to keep everything organized. The back panel is padded with honeycomb fabric for added comfort, even during long days of sightseeing. It’s a cute and secure option for all your travels.
If you prefer a slightly larger fanny pack, I also recommend Baggu purses, known for their fun designs and practicality, although they may not have the same level of anti-theft features as Pacsafe.
4. Beis Daytripper Backpack: Chic Backpack for City Adventures
Sometimes, a backpack is simply more practical, especially for day trips or as a carry-on. Our editor, Taylor, highly recommends the Beis Daytripper Backpack as a stylish and functional travel purse bag. It’s perfect when you need to carry a bit more, like a water bottle, rain jacket, or even a small laptop.
The Beis Daytripper features two side water bottle pockets, a trolley passthrough for easy airport navigation, three zip pockets for organization, and a padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 13-inch laptop. The spacious front pocket is ideal for day-trip essentials or work conference items.
Designed with comfort in mind, the shoulder straps are padded for all-day wear. While it doesn’t have specific anti-theft features, its chic, understated design blends in seamlessly, making it look like a bag a local would carry, rather than a typical tourist backpack. This subtle style is a security feature in itself.
For more on Beis luggage, check out Taylor’s detailed Beis luggage review post here.
Beis Daytripper chic travel backpack purse
5. Longchamp Tote: The Working Woman’s Travel Essential
As a travel blogger, my laptop is often my constant travel companion. If you frequently travel for work or need a chic, office-appropriate tote bag that can also hold your laptop, the Longchamp tote is an excellent choice. It’s a stylish alternative to bags like the Baggallini Everywhere Bagg, which can sometimes look too overtly like an anti-theft travel bag.
This large travel tote is ideal for working professionals on the go. Its standout feature is the top zipper closure, which completely secures the bag – a must-have for travel. Many large tote bags lack this essential security feature.
Travel Tip: On crowded trains or public transport, keep a hand on the zipper of your Longchamp tote to deter any opportunistic pickpockets.
This shoulder bag is spacious enough to carry your laptop and work essentials, yet incredibly lightweight and foldable to the size of a paperback book when not in use. Available in a wide range of colors, from classic black to vibrant pink and yellow, the Longchamp tote is a popular choice for women who need a blend of style, space, and practicality for their travels.
Travel Tip: During my study abroad in Italy, a zip-top tote bag was invaluable for carrying books and a laptop securely around campus and on public transport. I learned quickly that flipping the zipped closure towards my front and keeping a hand on it was a simple yet effective way to prevent pickpocketing on crowded trains. I never experienced a single incident of theft during my entire semester abroad using this simple strategy.
6. Double Compartment Crossbody: Affordable Security and Organization
If the Arden Cove is beyond your budget, the Double Compartment Crossbody is a fantastic alternative. While it may not have all the advanced features of the Arden Cove, it covers the essential security basics at a more affordable price point. It comes in various colors and adheres to my three key travel purse rules: full closure, crossbody style, and comfortable shoulder strap. It’s also spacious enough for daily essentials.
This crossbody purse features two separate compartments, offering excellent organization. You can separate items by category, such as camera and phone in one compartment and wallet and personal items in the other. While it has a snap button top, the interior zipper pockets add a layer of security, making it difficult for thieves to access the contents without significant effort.
A standout feature of these crossbody bags is the secret back zipper pocket, positioned against your body. This hidden pocket is perfect for storing high-value items like cash, ID, or a passport. For a cheaper yet cuter and more secure alternative to basic crossbody bags, the Double Compartment Crossbody is a great choice. Several variations of this bag design are available, many featuring the signature back zipper pocket, leather shoulder strap, and interior zipper pockets.
Double Compartment Crossbody affordable travel purse
7. TravelSmith RFID Crossbody Bag: Lightweight with Smart Anti-Theft Features
Last but not least, the TravelSmith RFID Crossbody Bag is another excellent travel purse with built-in anti-theft protection. This cute baby blue purse features a passport-sized RFID-blocking pocket, safeguarding your credit cards and passport from digital theft. The straps are designed to be anti-slashing, providing an extra layer of security, though not across the entire bag like the Arden Cove.
It also includes a unique feature to double-lock zippers by attaching them to an interior security hook. This prevents thieves from easily unzipping your bag unnoticed – a common travel concern.
Despite its compact size, it’s spacious enough for essential items and includes side pockets for quick access storage. Pockets are a traveler’s best friend – you can never have too many!
What truly sets this purse apart is its design and color. It doesn’t look like a typical anti-theft bag but rather a stylish purse you might find at a mainstream fashion store. This trendy, chic aesthetic can actually deter pickpockets by not drawing unwanted attention. And like many of my favorites, it also features a secret back pocket with a zipper, ideal for stashing valuables securely.
TravelSmith RFID Crossbody Bag stylish anti-theft purse
8. Lo & Sons Bond Sling: Sleek and Pocket-Packed Sling Bag
I’ve been a long-time fan of Lo & Sons OG bag as my go-to carry-on, and recently I had the chance to try out the Lo & Sons Bond Sling. It’s safe to say, I’m obsessed. For everyday errands around San Francisco, I often use a sling bag, like my beloved Baggu Crescent bag. However, while stylish, these simpler bags lack the security features needed for travel.
The Bond sling combines sleek design with exceptional functionality. It boasts numerous pockets, including a discreet back zipper pocket perfect for your phone or cash, keeping them securely against your body. There’s also a dedicated card pocket, ideal for metro cards or travel passes, ensuring quick access without exposing your entire wallet.
The Bond is available in three materials: premium sheepskin leather, tyvek, and recycled poly with an antimicrobial lining, all featuring durable Lo & Sons hardware. A thoughtful detail is the interior key string, allowing you to securely attach keys or even your wallet, preventing accidental loss or theft. It’s an instant favorite for its blend of style, security, and smart design.
Lo & Sons Bond Sling stylish and secure fanny pack
What Makes a Great Travel Purse? Essential Features
Before we delve deeper, let’s outline the key qualities that define a great travel purse. Having traveled extensively across diverse environments, from world wonders to remote jungles and bustling cities, I’ve identified essential features that every reliable travel bag should possess.
First and foremost, a travel purse must have a full zipper closure. While bucket bags might be fashionable, their open tops are impractical and insecure for travel. An open top is an invitation for thieves and a recipe for lost items during travel mishaps. A zipper closure ensures everything stays inside and secure.
Zipper closure for secure travel purse
The second essential quality is a crossbody style with a comfortable shoulder strap. While backpacks and messenger bags have their place, crossbody bags offer superior accessibility and security in crowded areas. Having your bag at your waist allows for quick access to essentials like your wallet, phone, camera, and lip balm without the inconvenience of removing a backpack. Anti-theft crossbody purses are also more secure because you can easily bring them to your front in crowded spaces, keeping them within your line of sight and reach.
The third key factor is space. The ideal size depends on your travel needs. Work trips might require larger bags to accommodate laptops and documents, while city sightseeing might call for smaller bags that can still hold a camera and souvenirs. A tiny mini purse is impractical for travel. Your travel purse should comfortably fit some or all of the following essentials:
- ID and/or passport
- Wallet (credit cards + cash)
- Train/metro card
- Camera
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle (or space for a small one)
- Hand lotion
- Lip balm
- Hair ties
- Phone
- Portable phone charger
- Small umbrella or packable rain jacket
- Occasionally, a book or small souvenir!
When choosing the perfect travel purse, prioritize these three features – zipper closure, crossbody style, and adequate space – to narrow down your options and find the best bag for your needs. The bags listed above are, in my experience, the best purses for travel, period.
Stylish woman traveler with crossbody bag
Extra Tips to Avoid Pickpockets While Traveling
While having one of the best travel bags for women is your first line of defense, there are additional strategies to enhance your travel security and prevent pickpocketing. As a seasoned traveler, I’ve learned a few more tricks to ensure your belongings stay safe.
The Decoy Wallet Strategy
During my study abroad in Mexico, one of my professors, a pickpocket prevention enthusiast, shared a memorable tip: the decoy wallet. His strategy was simple yet effective. He carried two wallets: his real wallet in a secure front pocket and a cheap “dummy” wallet in his back pocket, containing a few dollars. The idea is that if a thief targets him, they’ll likely go for the easily accessible back pocket, making off with a minimal loss. Genius, right?
While I haven’t adopted the two-wallet system myself, I appreciate the underlying principle: thieves often target tourists, and distraction tactics are common. Investing in a good travel purse with built-in security features is my preferred method of protection.
Ditch the Tourist Attire
Looking like a tourist can make you a target. Avoid overtly touristy clothing, like American sports team apparel when traveling in Europe. Subtlety is key. This is where a stylish yet functional travel purse comes into play. Blending in with locals is a significant deterrent to pickpockets.
I recall advising my husband, Robin, on clothing rules for his visit to me in Italy. Sports t-shirts and baseball caps were off-limits. While it might seem extreme, the goal was to avoid looking like a stereotypical tourist. I even kept his wallet and phone in my secure purse to minimize any potential risks. While he didn’t fully adhere to my fashion guidelines, we managed to navigate the entire trip without any theft incidents, which I attribute partly to our awareness and my secure travel purse.
Stay Alert and Aware of Common Scams
Situational awareness is crucial in preventing pickpocketing. Being aware of common scams can significantly reduce your risk. My professor in Mexico shared numerous pickpocketing tactics, making me much more vigilant.
One common scam involves the “lost tourist.” Someone approaches you with a map, asking for directions, often placing the map in front of you, obscuring their accomplice who then targets your bag. Now, whenever someone approaches with a map, I instinctively secure my purse.
Another tactic involves accidental spills. In crowded areas, someone might “accidentally” spill a drink or sauce on you. While they apologize and attempt to clean it, an accomplice steals your unattended bag. It’s a distracting and disorienting tactic, so remain vigilant even amidst seeming accidents.
Train stations and crowded public transport are prime locations for pickpockets. A common scam on trains involves people, often children, crowding the doorway as passengers disembark, creating a bottleneck where pickpockets can operate unnoticed. Now, I’m always extra alert when navigating crowded train doors.
This is why I appreciate features like Arden Cove’s detachable straps, which allow you to secure your bag to a chair, preventing grab-and-run thefts. Arden Cove also offers travel backpacks for those needing more space.
Church in Dublin, Ireland
Keep Your Purse Secure and Close
Sometimes, boldness is a pickpocket’s best tactic. In broad daylight, in busy areas, thieves may simply attempt to grab your bag and run. In San Francisco, I witnessed a thief brazenly rip a backpack off a tourist’s shoulders and sprint away. It happened in seconds, highlighting the importance of keeping your bag secure and close to your body.
For airport security and train travel, pockets can be incredibly convenient. Having a small, secure pocket for boarding passes and phones streamlines the security and boarding process. Similarly, a readily accessible pocket for train passes is invaluable for quick commutes.
Pro-tip: Consider using a separate, smaller bag like a Baggu fanny pack or Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag for airport and transit essentials. Then, switch to your more secure, water-resistant travel purse once you reach your destination.
Choose a Waterproof Travel Purse
Lastly, consider a waterproof travel purse. Rainstorms can strike unexpectedly, especially in destinations like Portland, Washington, and Ireland. Before I discovered my Arden Cove purse, rain was a constant worry for my phone and camera. A waterproof purse provides peace of mind, protecting your valuables regardless of the weather.
And of course, style matters. As evidenced by my initial rant, I strongly believe in prioritizing style even while traveling. Travel is an integral part of my lifestyle, and expressing my personal style while traveling is just as important as it is at home. I’ve never understood compromising personal style for purely functional travel attire.
Woman with black crossbody bag in Vancouver
An unstylish purse simply dampens my travel spirit. That’s why I’m passionate about sharing these top travel purses for women who, like me, refuse to sacrifice style for security.
I hope this guide helps you find the perfect anti-theft travel purse for your next adventure! If you have any questions, drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram @thewhimsysoul – I’m always happy to help!
